2025 Suwa Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in June)

Lake Suwa is one of the filming locations for "Your Name" The main attraction is to go around the lake~ The best place to see Lake Suwa is at Tateishi Park The park is famous for its stunning lake views and seasonal natural beauty The park has a wide view Whether it's day or night You can enjoy the beautiful scenery with different styles~ After getting off at Kamisuwa Station, you can drive or take a taxi to Tateishi Park You can also take a bus up the mountain But there are not many buses You need to check the time~ If you plan to travel to the Suwa Lake area This park is definitely worth adding to your itinerary~ #globaltravel

The Suwa Gokura Sake Tour is a unique tasting event that offers visitors the opportunity to visit five renowned sake breweries located in Kamisuwa. Each brewery has its own distinct characteristics, allowing visitors to taste the sake produced by each one and experience the charm of different sake flavors. Participating in this tour not only allows you to enjoy fine sake but also to stroll through the streets, savor local delicacies, and have a wonderful time. 2. Features of the Five Suwa Sake Breweries in Kamisuwa Maihime Brewery: Known for its exquisite sake, especially its signature 'Maihime,' which has a smooth taste and rich aroma. Reijin Brewery: Established in 1789, Reijin Brewery combines tradition and innovation. It is renowned for its diverse range of sake and excellent brewing techniques. The Reijin series is known for its refreshing taste and rich aroma, particularly the 'Reijin Junmai Ginjo,' which has won numerous awards for its delicate flavor and elegant aroma. Reijin Brewery actively participates in various sake competitions and exhibitions to promote sake culture. Yokobue Brewery: Famous for its unique brewing methods and high-quality sake, especially its 'Yokobue' series, which has a rich and layered taste. Honkin Brewery: Founded in 1662, Honkin Brewery has a long history and is known for its pure sake and traditional brewing techniques. The Honkin series is renowned for its unique flavor and high quality, using carefully selected local rice and water to ensure the best taste in every bottle. Its signature 'Honkin Junmai Daiginjo' is loved by sake enthusiasts for its rich aroma and smooth taste. Masumi Brewery: Established in 1662, Masumi Brewery is a historic yet modern sake brewery. It is known for its high-quality sake and advanced brewing techniques. The Masumi series is famous for its refreshing and pure taste, particularly the 'Masumi Junmai Daiginjo,' which is loved by consumers for its delicate taste and rich layers. Masumi Brewery is also committed to environmental protection and sustainable development, using eco-friendly materials and techniques to minimize the environmental impact of the brewing process. Kamisuwa is located in Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture, and is easily accessible. From Tokyo, you can take the Shinkansen to Nagano Station and then transfer to the JR Chuo Main Line to Kamisuwa Station. From Kamisuwa Station, you can walk to each sake brewery, making it convenient for visitors to tour. The Suwa Gokura Sake Tour is a fun and cultural experience that is not to be missed by sake enthusiasts or visitors interested in Japanese culture.

🏠 Katakurakan 📍 4-1-9 Kogan-dori, Suwa, Nagano 392-0027 🚶 8 minutes walk from Kami-Suwa Station 💰 400 yen without guide, 600 yen with guide Reservation: Not required Time required: 30-40 minutes 📷 ok ---------------------------------------------------- A cute retro bath. With a guide, you can see parts that you can't see without a guide. In addition to touring the building, you can actually take a bath in the Sennin-buro. You can enjoy a relaxing time while being soothed by the beautiful lake. #retro townscape #retro architecture #architecture #emotional #retro #historical site #trip to touch historical culture #shrine #domestic travel #trip_outdoor #Nagano trip #Nagano sightseeing

The leaves have started to change color, and the temple offers a beautiful view🍁 There are cushions on the veranda behind the temple, so you can enjoy the autumn leaves and the garden at your leisure! Please take a look around the temple grounds😊 There are many things to see, such as the pagoda, temple bell (a Nagano prefectural treasure), the grave of Izumi Shikibu, and two gardens! This temple is located on a hill, so you can get a panoramic view of Lake Suwa and the townscape of Suwa✨ "Rinkozan Onsenji" 📍1-21-1 Yunowaki, Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture, 392-0002 Japan (12 minutes walk from Kami-Suwa Station) Opening hours 9:00-17:00 #Nagano Prefecture #Suwa #Onsenji #Autumn leaves #Gardens

#NaganoTourism [Bakery Cafe Mozart] Bakery Cafe Mozart is a bakery in Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture! There is also a restaurant inside the shop where you can eat meals😆 For lunch, in addition to the main dish, you can eat and drink as much bread, salad, and drinks as you like😍😍There is a wide variety of salads, so you will probably be full before the main dish arrives😅 #WinterTravel #Gourmet #FineCuisine

#NaganoSightseeing It's been a few years since I last visited, but nothing has changed, so I'm relieved. For me, the water temperature is just right and I can take a long bath. The changing room and rest room are spacious, so you can relax❗️ Lake Suwa is right in front of you, so the location is perfect‼️

I went to Hama no Yu with my family ♨️ The interior was luxurious and we felt like we were in another world 🥰 The dinner we had while looking at the garden inside the building was so delicious that it almost made my cheeks swell ♡ The bath was also pleasant and we had a happy family time 🌱💗 #Nagano #Suwa #Hama no Yu #Family trip

#EasternJapan [Golden Mach Curry] Golden Mach Curry is a restaurant in Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture 🍛 The curry here is a high-quality, additive-free curry made from scratch with a generous amount of cheese on top, making it very rich 🤤 The fried chicken is crispy with a base of Sanzoku-yaki, a Shinshu specialty! It's a very large size, so you'll be full for sure‼︎ #Gourmet #Couple Trip #Gourmet Trip #Fine Food

#East Japan [Venus Line] The Venus Line is a 78 km road that connects Chino City, Nagano Prefecture to the Utsukushigahara Plateau in Ueda City. 🚗 It runs through the plateau, so you can enjoy a cool drive during this time of summer! When taking a break, we recommend stopping by the Drive Line to eat buttered potatoes and mushroom soup! #Breathtaking views #Summer trip #Drive #Supporting tourism #Nagano Prefecture

#QuintessaCampaign [Blue Line Garage Cafe 18] Blue Line Garage Cafe 18 is a cafe in Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture☕️ In addition to main dishes such as beef stew and taco rice, you can also enjoy desserts such as cheesecake🤤 Limited-time drinks also change according to the season, so we recommend choosing a different flavor each time😁 #Gourmet #Couple trip #Cafe hopping #Fine food #Nagano Prefecture #Suwa City

#gw2022jp At Kurasuwa, you can enjoy fresh locally grown vegetables and ingredients while looking out at the view of Lake Suwa🍽 There is also a cafe bakery, so we recommend spending some time relaxing with freshly baked bread and freshly ground coffee🍞☕️ #Breathtaking views #Gourmet trip #Gourmet #Lake Suwa #Kurasuwa #Nagano Prefecture #Suwa #Tourism support

Beautiful image of Romanian winter. A tree stands alone in front of the storm. This is how I stand against the winter of migration

I stayed at Shinyu for two nights, right in front of Lake Suwa! The service was very polite and I had a comfortable stay. Next to the check-in counter is a lounge where you can enjoy a welcome drink. In the evening, you can see a beautiful sunset and the lake from your room! It's soothing. There is already boiled water in the room, so you can make tea and relax. The sweets were also very delicious! This time, I didn't have any plans, but there is a free sightseeing bus that goes around the four Suwa Taisha shrines, so I took that for sightseeing. For meals, we had shabu-shabu on the first night and sukiyaki on the second night, and we were able to eat local vegetables, so we were very satisfied ❤︎ #breathtakingview #hotspring #nagano #stayingathome

The Lake Suwa Fireworks Festival is a fireworks display held every August 15th on Lake Suwa in Nagano Prefecture! ✨ A total of about 40,000 fireworks are launched, making it the largest number of fireworks in Japan🇯🇵 The fireworks rising from the lake were spectacular! How to get there: Lake Suwa, in front of the lake, Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture #Nagano #Suwa #Lake Suwa #Spectacular view

Lake Suwa in Nagano Prefecture freezes over in the middle of winter due to the cold☃️ When the entire lake freezes over, the ice cracks and creates a mountain range of ice about 30cm to 2m high. This sight is called "Omiwatari" and is a rare sight that can only be seen once every few years. When you see Omiwatari, be sure to go and see it🙌 Address: Shimosuwamachi, Suwa-gun, Nagano Prefecture #Nagano #LakeSuwa #Omiwatari #AmazingScenery #SnowScenery

This is Suwa City Lakeside Park, located near Kami-Suwa Station in Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture♪ This park is located on the shore of Lake Suwa, and the hot spring town of Kami-Suwa Onsen spreads out behind it. The lake in front, the hot spring town behind... how nice ☺️ The first photo was taken from the park. The second photo was taken at Mizube Park in Shimo-Suwa. The third photo is the view from Okaya Lakeside Park. It was almost night when I arrived at Mizube Park, but there was still a faint light in the sky✨ Access: 5 minutes walk from Kami-Suwa Station #Free Spot #Kami-Suwa Station #Lake Suwa #Nagano Prefecture #Amazing View #Amazing View

Suwa Taisha Shrine is a group of four shrines located around Lake Suwa in Nagano Prefecture, scattered throughout the city of Suwa. The Kamisha Shrine is located on the southern shore of Lake Suwa, while the Shimosha Shrine is on the northern shore, far apart. I visited Shimosha and Harumiya Shrine of Suwa Taisha Shrine. Touring the four shrines is also popular, and you can get a different goshuin stamp at each shrine. #shrine

The first photo is again "Suwa City Lakeside Park"♪ There was a swan boat dock in the park. (Only in Suwa lol) I wonder if the swan boats are used for sightseeing around Lake Suwa. The second and third photos are of Okaya Lakeside Park. There were a lot of birds gathering on the grass☺️ The sun was low in both parks, but I was able to take some very impressive photos📷 Access: About 5 minutes on foot from JR Chuo Main Line "Kami-Suwa Station". About 14 minutes on foot from JR Chuo Main Line "Okaya Station". #FreeSpot #LakeSuwa #Kami-SuwaStation #Nagano #BreathtakingView

There are many beautiful plateaus in Nagano Prefecture, but I think Kirigamine is one of the most special. A sea of ​​green that stretches into the distance, a variety of plateau plants...It's a popular tourist destination because of its easy access. However, if you want to enjoy the whole thing, you'll need some decent trekking gear, so be careful. #Nagano #Mountain climbing #Kirigamine #Summer trip #Breathtaking views

Jinchokan Moriya Historical Museum in Suwa, Nagano Prefecture Famous as the first museum designed by architect Terunobu Fujimori✨ The manager told me that many foreign tourists used to visit before COVID-19😊 The roof is made of locally produced iron flat stones, using the traditional "teppei stone roofing" technique of the Suwa region‼️ The admission fee is only 100 yen, so be sure to visit when you come to Suwa! #Nagano #Suwa #Amazing view #Architectural photography #Summer trip #Japan Genki Project 2021 #Summer trip#Amazing view

📍Spot📍 Footbath at Kami-Suwa Station, Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture JR Chuo Line, Kami-Suwa Station, Platform 1 (Upbound) If you have a train ticket and admission fee, you can use the footbath for free😍 (Free station parking) This is Kami-Suwa Station! There is a footbath on the platform♨️ Some people even get off the train on the way there just to take a bath in the footbath!! It's a very cold area in winter, so it's nice to warm up your body in the footbath while waiting for the train! You must bring a towel with you, but they are also sold at the convenience store inside the station! You can come empty-handed◡̈*.。 The spring quality is a simple hot spring, a weakly alkaline hypotonic high temperature spring♨️ #Hot spring #Footbath #Kami-Suwa Station #Supporting tourism

📍Spot📍 Suwa Service Area (both inbound and outbound lanes), Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture Service areas when traveling by car are really exciting, aren't they◡̈*.。 There are souvenirs, you can eat, and you can stop by restaurants and cafes(*´꒳​`*) At this Suwa Service Area, you can see Lake Suwa from the service area(*´ω｀*) You can see it from both the inbound and outbound lanes, but the inbound lanes are recommended(*´ω｀*) There is a Starbucks, so it is recommended to buy a Starbucks and take a break on the terrace outside while looking at Lake Suwa◡̈ #Amazing view #Lake Suwa #Cafe #Starbucks #Supporting tourism #Amazing view

🌾Nagano - Kirigamine Highlands | A tranquil spot featuring seasonal flowers and refreshing highland breezes Located at the foot of the Yatsugatake Mountains in Nagano Prefecture, the "Kirigamine Highlands" is a breathtaking destination. In summer, vibrant alpine plants and Nikko lilies bloom in abundance, while autumn brings swaying silver grass fields. Perfect for drives and hikes, the area offers panoramic views of mountain ridges and even distant Mount Fuji. The highlands are equipped with facilities like observation decks and nature information centers, making it enjoyable for families, couples, or solo travelers. It's also a renowned stargazing spot, where you can marvel at a sky full of stars at night. ⸻ 🔹Highlights ・Strolling through the Nikko lily fields in summer ・Panoramic views from observation decks ・Walking through silver grass fields in autumn and stargazing ⸻ 📍Access Approximately 30 minutes by bus from JR Chino Station to "Kirigamine Entrance" Walking trails are free; some facilities may require a fee ⸻

🌿 This place is great! • Opened in 2019. A retro x modern space renovated by ReBuilding Center JAPAN from a 90-year-old former pharmacy. • Antiques and selected goods are lined up from the entrance, and the cafe space in the back is full of the warmth of wood. It's a hideaway cafe where you can relax. ⸻ 🍰 Lunch and sweets menu • Lunch time: 11:00-14:30 Pasta and quiche made with local vegetables, cheesecake, tarts, and other sweets are also delicious!   Example: Cheese pasta & strawberry tart + herbal tea to warm your heart♬ • Light meals and cafe use are also available◎ After 14:30, you can enjoy drinks and scones. ⸻ 💤 Interior & atmosphere • There are 16 seats. Great for a solo or girls' night at the counter or table.   • The shelves are lined with items by artists from all over the country, and you can have fun searching for small treasures that fit your lifestyle. ✅ Recommended for • People who want to enjoy a cafe time while leisurely picking up books and miscellaneous goods • People who want a quiet and stylish break between sightseeing in Suwa • People who like lunches made with local ingredients and lightly sweet desserts ⸻ "On my day off, I casually opened the door to an old pharmacy and found a cozy space with the scent of wood waiting for me. Miscellaneous goods, cakes, herbal tea... here you can experience the feeling of "careful living." #absolutelyfreetrip #nagano #naganotourism #naganogourmet #suwa #suwacitycafe #nagano #domestictravel

🌿 The restaurant and its origins • In 2019, Ayumi Oshio, a culinary researcher in Tokyo, moved to Suwa, a place she had no ties to, and opened this warm restaurant. • The old house was renovated by ReBuilding Center JAPAN. Although the exterior is unassuming, once you step inside, you'll find a bright space with high ceilings. ⸻ 🍱 The appeal of lunch and dinner • **Lunch (11:30-15:00 / reservations preferred)** is a vegetable-centered one-plate lunch (around 1,300 yen) that is quite filling. The nutritious content, which makes you feel connected to local producers, is popular. • **Dinner (18:00-21:00 / reservations required)** only serves the chef's choice course. You can enjoy a simple and soothing menu with an Asian flavor. ⸻ 🏠 Space and atmosphere • There are about 17 seats in total, with a counter and a raised area. A cozy space filled with the warmth of wood. • The renovated old wood creates a warm atmosphere, and the restaurant is loved by local customers who feel a sense of security as a "Nagano restaurant" . ⸻ 🔖 Usage notes • Regular holidays: Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays (both lunch and dinner), and may be closed on other days . • Reservations are prioritized: Reservations are recommended for lunch when it is crowded. Dinner is a must . • Access: About 15 minutes on foot from Kami-Suwa Station, parking is available in the "Masumi" parking lot next to the store . ⸻ ✅ Recommended for • Gourmets who want to taste local vegetables and Shinshu ingredients • People who want to experience the careful handiwork of a culinary expert • People who like the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese cafe where they can relax ⸻ ✨ A memorable experience A place where you can encounter a "dish" that reflects the atmosphere and personality of Suwa. Ayumi's smile and the gentle taste of the vegetables will fill the hearts and stomachs of visitors. Why not make a reservation and enjoy a leisurely "Suwa mealtime"? 😊 #absolutelyfreetrip #nagano #naganotourism #naganogourmet #suwa #suwacitycafe #nagano #domestictravel

🍛 This is what makes it so great! • A one-minute walk from Suwa Taisha and Kamisha Honmiya, this retro, cozy space makes the most of a 100-year-old traditional house.  • Run by a Nepalese chef and his wife from Shinshu, they carefully arrange Nepalese home-style cuisine, dal bhat, for Japanese people.  ⸻ 🍽 Featured Menu • Ananda Set A: 3 types of curry + dal soup + 8 side dishes + rice. The amount and balance are both great.  • **Single curry (chicken/mutton/vegetable) and the weekend-only "Suwa Keema" are also popular.  • You can also enjoy desserts such as Nepalese fried bread "Tibetan bread" and chai.  ⸻ 🏠 Space and atmosphere • The warmth and antique interior of a traditional house are appealing. • There are 16 seats inside the restaurant and terrace seats. Dogs are welcome, and you can spend a relaxing time in a quiet place. ✅ Recommended for these people! • New to Nepalese cuisine, but want to taste authentic spices • Cafe lovers who want to spend a relaxing time after sightseeing in Suwa • People who want to be soothed by foreign home cooking and warm hospitality ⸻ ✨ Recommended plan for a casual trip 1. After visiting Suwa Taisha Shrine, walk to Ananda, which is just a short distance away 2. Savor the dal bhat and enjoy the soup, which can be refilled 3. After the meal, relax in the old house with chai or Tibetan tumbler 4. Take a stroll and look at the goods in the store, or take out some food for a lakeside picnic◎ ⸻ "Ananda" is a small foreign house where you will be greeted by spices and warmth. I wholeheartedly recommend this place to anyone wanting to have a slightly richer dining experience and a pleasant aftertaste in Suwa😊 #absolutelyfreetrip #nagano #naganosightseeing #naganogourmet #suwa #suwacitycafe #nagano #domestictravel #nepalesecurry #curry

🔍 A treasure hunt experience at an antique shop • Packed with rescued vintage materials and tools Discover items like wood, furniture, and tableware salvaged from dismantled buildings, each carrying the history and stories of the local area. • A spacious three-story building 1st Floor: Café + vintage material display / 2nd & 3rd Floors: Antique tools floor. It feels like a mini-museum! ⸻ ☕ Highlights of the 1st Floor Café 'live in sense' • Cozy vintage wood interior Countertops made from ceiling boards, large tables covered with floorboards... the warmth of wood fills the space. • Carefully curated menu • Ribisen Curry (1,100 yen): A flavorful dish with chicken thigh and a tomato-based spice blend • Weekend-only "Suwa Keema": A Japanese-style keema curry with enoki mushrooms, burdock root, and a soft-boiled egg • Scones (220 yen): Four varieties—plain, chocolate, red bean, and apple. Homemade and free of eggs and butter • **Homemade Chai (550 yen)** is also highly recommended! • Takeout available: Drinks and baked goods make great companions for a stroll 🌟 Recommended for: • Fans of antiques and DIY • Those interested in vintage wood interiors • Anyone looking for a relaxing café to unwind • A perfect quick stop during Suwa sightseeing ⸻ ✅ Three ways to enjoy your visit: 1. Treasure hunting: Explore the 2nd and 3rd floors to find your favorite items 🕰️ 2. Take a break at the café: Relax with delicious food and a cozy atmosphere, enjoying scones or curry 3. Great for souvenirs: Scones are available for takeout, perfect as gifts for friends and family ⸻ ReBuilding Center JAPAN is a space that "breathes new life into discarded materials and tools." It's an ideal destination for a stroll through Suwa or a quick relaxation spot. Every visit promises new discoveries, so be sure to stop by! ✨

⛩ [Nagano, Zenkoji Temple] A non-sectarian place of prayer that you should visit at least once. A soul-cleansing experience as you pass through the darkness Nagano's Zenkoji Temple, which boasts a history of about 1,400 years, is a non-sectarian temple that accepts all sects. Many worshippers are attracted to its teaching that everyone can be saved equally. As soon as you step into the main hall, you are enveloped in the scent of incense and silence, and time begins to flow slowly. The "Okaidan Meguri" is a sacred experience in which you grope your way through a pitch-black corridor, searching for the lock of paradise. Every moment is a precious time to face yourself. ⸻ 🌟Sights and experiences ・National treasure, Zenkoji Temple Main Hall: The beauty of the wooden structure and the solemn atmosphere are overwhelming ・Okaidan Meguri: A prayer ceremony where you walk through a pitch-black passage and touch the "lock of paradise" ・Nakamisedori: Enjoy Shinshu gourmet food such as the famous Yawata-ya Isogoro shichimi, soba, and dango 🚉Access ・About 15 minutes by bus from JR Nagano Station, or about 30 minutes on foot (straight from Zenkojiguchi) ・Easy access from the city center using the Hokuriku Shinkansen 🍁Recommended season ・Spring (April to May): A period when events such as Gokaicho overlap with the cherry blossom scenery ・Autumn (mid-October onwards): A pleasant stroll amid the autumn leaves and clear air 👣Travel tips ・Anyone can participate in the morning Asaji. An experience that allows you to calm your mind in silence ・We also recommend visiting famous Shinshu soba restaurants in front of the temple gate ・In winter, the main hall is covered in snow, and you can see a different expression every time you visit ⸻ “Being close to everyone's heart, regardless of sect”—— Zenkoji is a tourist destination, but also a place of spiritual comfort. It's the kind of place that makes you want to stop by during your trip. #NaganoTourism #NaganoTrip #Zenkoji #ShinshuTrip #GoshuinTour #DomesticTrip #SoloTrip #CoupleTrip #AbsolutelyFreeTrip